Electric switch



Jan. 10, 1933. J PETERSON 1,894,225

ELECTRIC SWITCH Filed Dec. 31, 1928 Patented Jan. 10, 1933 UNITED STATES My invention relates to electric switches.

It has for its object to provide an improved electric switch, and more particularly an improved switch of the type adapted to control electric heating pads. A furtherobiiect is to provide an improved switch of the atter type having. a swingin actuating member movable progressively in either direction through a plurality of positions to make and break a plurality of circuits, and improved means whereby it is rendered impossible for the operator-t0 retard either the making or breaking of the circuit. Further objects include the provision of improved improved and simplified terminals, improve and simplified connecting means for the parts of the switch unit, and improved connecting means for the casin members enclosing the unit, whereby while the effectiveness of the switch is improved its structure is rendered more compact and also substantially simplified and cheapened. These and other objects and advantages of my improved construction will, however, hereinafter more fully appear.

In the accompanying drawing I have shown, for purposes of illustration, two em bodiments which my invention may assume in ractice.

n this drawing,

Figure 1 is a plan 'view of a switch enclosed in its outer casin the actuating member also being indicate in dotted lines in its various positions;

Fig. 2 is a similar view of the switch with the outer casing member removed to show the'switch unit;

Fig. 8 is a similarview but with the other 1 casing member removed; Fig. 4 is a plan view of the switch unit with one of the insulating plates thereof removed of the inside of the 7 Fig. 5 is a plan view other plate;

Fig. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view on r line 6-6 of Fig. 1;

Fi 7 is a transverse sectional view on line 7 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 8 is a detail view of the switch actuand simplified switch actuating mechanism PATENT OFFICE JOHANN G. PETERON, OF WET HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT i ELECTRIC SWITCH Application filed December 81, 1928. Serial No. 829,570.

ating and contact carrying member, one combined cam and contact member being removed to facilitate illustration, and

Fig. 9 is a similar view of a modified construction.

In Figs. 1 to 8 I have shown a switch mechanism including cooperatin casing members 1 and 2 enclosing the switch unit which is generally designated 3 and has a laterally protruding pivoted actuating membar 4 movable about a pivot pin 5 and in a plane between the flat insulatin plates 6 and 7 comprised in the unit 3, whi e the plate 6 carries on its outer surface terminals 8 and 9 and the plate 7 similarly carries terminals 10, 11 and 12, and all of these terminals are adapted to beconnected to conductors ex tending through the opposite ends of the casing members 1 and 2, as shown in Fig. 1.

Referring more articularl to the switch mechanism, it will e noted t at each of the plates 6 and 7 has a small conducting plate 13, 13' of substantially rectangular form through which the pivot pin 5 extends" and which is suitably attached to the plate, as by rivets 14 at the opposite ends thereof. It w1ll also be noted that each of these plates 13, 13' carries atone side of the pivot in a series of peaked projections 15, herein t ree, having oppositely sloping sides and radially disposed close to one another, as indicated in ig. 5. Associated with the eaked members 15 on the plates 13, 13', which are thus disposed in spaced radially extending series one above the other, is the actuating member 4. As shown herein, this member includes a body portion 16 herein of metal and of substantially U-shape and having inwardly extending abutments 17 at its open end and a small socket 18 at its opposite end communicating with its larger opening. This body 16 is connected by rivets 19, spaced laterally from the socket 18, to superimposed combined contact and cam carrying members 4' above and below the body 16. As shown each of these members 4' has a single raised and resilient arm 20 carrying a contact 21 on its up er end, and also a raised and resilient bo y portion 22 carrying a projection 23 similar to one of the PIOJGCtOHS 15 and adapted to coo rate with one set of said projections. Eac of these combined and cam carrying members 4' is herein also provided with an extension 24 bridgin over the large opening in the body 16 and avin an aperture receiving the pivot pin 5. oreover,-it will be noted that between these projections 24, and on this pivot pin is carried the inner end of the member 4. that a flat spring 25 is provided which'has a rounded end seated in the socket 18 and restricted portions passing therefrom between adjacent protruding portions 26 at the mouth thereof, and larger reve'rsely bowed portions extending longitudinally through the larger opening in the body 16 andprovided with curved ends 27 each resting against an opposite side of the member 4 at a point remote from the pin 5. Here, attention is also directed to the fact that, the member 4 havin pla in a vertical plane relative to its pin in the form of projections 28 are provide nearer the outer end of the member 4 in such position that these projections 28 may engage the insulating plates 6 and 7 and prevent too eat vertical movement of the member 4. ese projections 28 herein are in the form of upwardly and downwardly struck portions and the member 4 is of sheet metal type, this being a simple and inexpensive construction well adapted to use where a molded-on actuating button is used. It W11]. also be noted that the outer end of the member 4 is rovided beyond these projections 28 with a s ightly raised flat portion 29 adapt-- ed to be received in and move within the limits of a slot 30 in the casing member lpand that the member 4 has molded on its outer end a protruding button 31 of generally acorn shape and adapted to convenient operation.

' Coo ratin with the switch mechanism descri d are improved terminal connections 8 9, 10, 11 and 12 carried on the outside of the switch unit. Of these, the terminals 8 and 9 are carried on the outside of the insulating plate6 and the terminals 10, 11 and 12 are carried on the outside of the insulating plate 7. Herein it will "be noted that the terminal 11 is connected to the plate 7 by rivets 32' which extend through the plate, and perform the additional function of acting as contacts cooperating with the adjacent movable contact 21. The terminal'8 is also attached to the plate 6 by rivets 83 which also similarly act as contacts cooperatirlilg with the other movable contact 21. -It wi also be observed that the connecting plate 18' on the insulating plate 6 is connected b one of its rivets 14 to the terminal 9, there y roviding a permanent connectron to the line. It will also be noted that a through connection is alwa provided between the terminals 10 and' a bowed conducting strip 84-extending between these two l lerein it will also be noted terminals on the inside surface of the plate 7 and spaced from the edge of the plate 13 carrying the projections 15 and being connected at its ends to said terminals 10 and 12 by rivets 35. Here attention is also directed to the fact that each of the terminals 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 is provided with an end 36 projecting beyond the end of the insulating Slate carrying the terminal in question an ent inward and carrying a binding screw 37. Attention is also directed to the fact that each of the plates 6 and 7 is notch ed on opposite sides of its end, as shown at 38, to permit thepassage of these bent terminal ends 36, and alsoform an extension 39 adjacent to each notch, one of which, on the plate 7, extends between the. adjacent ends of the terminals 10 and 11.

In this improved construction, I have also provlded improved means for connecting the plates 6 and 7 and holding the parts of the switch unit and mechanism together. Herein it will be noted that at opposite ends of the switch unit and in alinement with the p vot gin 5, spacin members 40 are rovided etween the p ates 6 and 7. Bee of these members 40 has flanges 41 adapted to engage the inner faces of the plates 6 and 7 an reduced portions 42 extending through those plates and having their outer ends bent or s un over washers 43 seated on the outer sur aces of the plates. Thus it will be noted that with the switch mechanism arranged as described relative to the pivot 5, the arts of the switch unit are eflectually spaced and firmly clamped together. Moreover, it will be noted that the spacing and connecting means described are wholly independent of the electrical connections and the plates 13, 13' and that they have no function in connection with the operatin member'4, the limits of movement of the atter being established by the slot 30. In my improved construction, however, these members 40 are utilized as a part of the connecting means for the casing members 1 and 2, each member 40 being internally threaded and adapted to receive 1n its opposite ends short screws 44 receivable in suitable registering a erturesin the casing members 1 and 2, as s own in fiereit will also be noted that the casing members 1 and 2 and the unit are so constructed and arran d as to position one another and greatly acilitate assembly. More particularly, it will be observed that the easmg members 1 and 2 are provided around the apertures of the screws 44 with raised fiat surfaces 45 which engage the washers 43; It will also be noted that the casing members 1 and 2 are provided with raised flat lugs 46 on the side of the same opposite the slot 30, and that these are adapted to engage the outer flat faces of the plates 6 and 7 adjacent .theedges of the latter, and thereby assist in locating the unit. It will also be observed that, to assist in assembly, the casing member 2 is provided at a point opposite its lug 46 with a lug 47 of considerably greater height and adapted to "be received in a correspondingly shaped recess in the ed e of the plate 7 when the unit is laced int c member 2 with the operating h to the right, but in all other ositions to prevent the insertion of the unit in the casing member 2. Thus it will be observed that the process of assembly is reatly facilitated, it

only being necessary or the assembler to bring the notch 48into position to receive the long projection 47 and then to place the casing member 1,- havin the cover slot 30. in position with the slot in its obviously proper position over the projecting handle 4.

In the operation of the assembled device, assuming t at the switch is in the OE position illustrated in full lines in Fig. 1 be evident that as the operating member 4 is moved downward to the successive dotted line positions shown, the desired low, medium and high heat positions of the contact parts will be successively occupied. In each movement'i'of the actuating member, not only will the'spring portions of the members 4' be pressed together by the engagement of their .projections 23 with a cooperating projection 15 to impart a swin ing movement when the peaks of the projections 15 have been passed,

at the spring 25 will be com ressed by the movement of the member 4 about its pivot, in such manner as to impart a snap action WlllCh cannot in any way be retarded by the operator. Thus, by the provision'of the two snap actuating spring means I produce a structure wherein not only by reason-of the resilient cam construction an entirel satisfactory snap action will be produce in ordinary operation, but a construction wherein this action is even further speeded up and, even should the operator be ignorant or careless. or even attempt to make trouble, it is made impossible for the operator to delay the makin or breaking of the circuit in an ob'ectiona le manner. It will, of course, be evident that during operation the switch terminals will be connected to the line and the pad conductors in a usual manner, and that current will flow to the switch through the terminal 9 and connecting plate 13, while a permanent through connection is proivded by the terminals 10 and 12 and the bowed conducting strip 34. As regards current distribution, it will also be understood that-it will be distributed in a usual manner by the contacts 21, one of which will engage the rivets 32 on the plate 7, while the other will engage the rivets 33 on the plate 6, the arrangement of these contacts 32 and 33 being such that in the off position neither set is engaged by a contact 21, while as the contacts 21 swing toward high position one of andle 4 projecting it will.

them engages one contact of one set and the other next engages one contact of the other set, and each finally engages one contact of each set, in a well known manner.

In Fig. 9 I have illustrated a modlfied construction wherein the spring 25 is omitted. It will be observed that the combined cam and contact carr ing members 4' are constructed identica ly as heretofore and that the only difference, in addition to the omission of the spring, is in the shape of the body member 16. This, in this construction, has no socket 18 and is also rovided with a smaller opening 49 at the left thereof and one which is adapted to fit the end of the member 4 and has pro'ections 50 on opposite sides of the latter which convey the motion thereof directly to the body without the intermediary action of the spring as in the pre vious construction. Obvlously, the mechanism previously described will permit the substitution of a member 4 of the construction shown in Fig. 9 for a member shown in Fig. 8, and'will then produce an effective device though lacking the feature of the automatic control of the making and breaking provided by the previously described construction.

As a result of my improvements, it is made possible in my preferred construction to provide a switch mechanism of the type set forth .which is wholly independent of the operator,

i. e., one in which even if the operator is careless, ignorant, or malicious, and moves the switch operating member in a slow and improper manner the contacts will be operated with the desired quick movement. Attention is, moreover, directed to the simplification and cheapening of manufacture made possible by this improved construction, a minimum of metal being used and the various parts used bein of a ty e which may be very cheaply provided. T us, for example, the cam plate structure is reduced substantially in size and the amount of metal required to roduce the cam plates and terminals inc udin the through connection, is substantially reduced.

It will also be noted that a more compact construction is provided enabling a more thin unit to be produced and one of generally smaller dimensions adapted to be more conveniently held in the hand and operated. Through the use of my combined unit spacing and casing attachment means, it is also possible to simplify and cheapen the construction, especially of the casing members, while permitting more ready access to the unit whenever desired, all obstructions on the casing adjacent the terminals being eliminated. Through my improved cooperating unit and easing members, the structure of the latter is also simplified and improved in such manner as not only to reduce its cost but facilitate manufacture and assembly. These and other apparent to those skilled in the art.

While I have in this application described two embodiments which my invention may assume'in practice, it will be understood that these embodiments are chosen for illustrative purposes and that my invention may be further modified and embodied in various other forms without departin from its spirit or the scope of the appende claims.

WhatI claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is 1. An electric switch having swinging contact carrying and actuating members, and snap actuating means for the former operative by the latter including snap actuating means and co-operating sna actuating means operative irrespective o the rate of movement of said actuating member and having an additional spring.

2. An electric switch having swinging contact carrying and actuating members, and a plurality o co-operating sna actuating means for the former operative by the latter and including combined snap actuating and indexing means and co-operating snap actuating means operative irrespective of the rate of movement of said actuating member and having an additional spring tensioned by said actuating member and released by said combined snap actuating and indexing means.

3. An electric switch havingswinging contact carrying and actuating members, a plurality of co-operating snap actuating means forthe former operative by the latter, and another resilient snap actuating means having an additional spring likewise tensioned by said actuating member and released for operation upon operation of said plurality of means.

4. An electric switch having a contact carrying member, co-operating movable and stationary contacts, a pivoted actuating member, snap actuating means actuated by said actuating member and actuating said con.- tact carrying member, and resilient co-operating snap actuating means" for actuating said contact carrying member irrespective of the rate of movement of said actuating member and having an additional spring tensioned by movement of said actuating member. 1

5, An electric switch having a contact carrying member, co-operating movable and stationary contacts, a pivoted actuating member, snap actuating means actuated by sa'd actuating member when the latter is swung in either-direction and actuating said contact carrying member with a snap action in either direction, and co-operatmg spring means operative irrespective of the rate of movement of said actuating member actuating said contact carrying member with a 65 snap action in either directlon and tensioned member with a snap action irrespective of the I rate of movement of said actuating member and tensioned upon movement of said pivoted actuating member.

7. An electric switch having a swinging contact carrying member and also a pivoted actuating handle, and snap actuating means incuding a plate spring carried by and actuating said contact member and movable toward and from the same as said handle is swung, and a co-operating spring member.

actuat ngsaid contact member and tensioned by said handle and operative irrespective of the rate of movement of the latter.

8. An electric switch having a swinging contact carrying member and also a pivoted actuating handle, and snap actuating means including a plate spring actuating said contact member and movable laterally therewith and toward and from the same as said handle is-swung in either direction, and a co-operating spring member actuating said contact carrying member and tensioned by said handle as it swings in eitherdirection and operative irrespective of the rate of movement thereof.

9. An electric switch-having swinging contact carrying and actuating members, snap actuating means for the former member including a series of projections and a co-operating resiliently mounted projection engageable with said projections and actuated by the latter member, and co-operating resilient s'na actuating means having an additional spring tensioned by said actuating member and actuating said cont ct carr ing member and opera ive to inhibi retar ation of the circuit making and breaking movement.

10. An electric switch comprising an insulating base having means for supporting a switc mechanism, stationary contacts thereon, and a series of hills and valleys thereon, and a switch mechanism mounted on said ,supporting means and having an operating lever, a movable pole piece with a spring contact at one end of said pole piece adapted to engage said stationary contacts and a spring arm rigidly connected with said spring contact and at the other end of said ole piece adapted to engage said hills and va leys, and a spring tensioned by said operating lever and actuating said pole piece as said spring contact passes over said hills.

11 An electric switch comprising an insulating base having a sh aft sdpport, stationary contacts and a series of hills and valleys spaced from said,support in arcuate relation thereto, and a unitary switch mechanism having a shaft, an actuating lever on said shaft, a movable pole piece .on said shaft and comprising two spring arms provided respectively with contacts and a boss for engaging said hills and valleys. and a biasing spring surrounding said shaft and connecting said lever and said pole piece.

12. An electric switch having swinging contact carrying and actuating members, snap' actuating means for the former member including a series of projections and a co-operating resiliently mounted projection actuated by the actuating member in either direction of" movement thereof, and resilient for actuating means actuating said contact member irrespective of the rate of movement of said actuating member including an additional spring-tensioned by said actuating member in either direction of movement thereof and acting to throw said contact member with snap action.

13. An electric switch having swinging contact carrying and actuating members, snap actuating means for the former member including a. series of projections and a cooperating resiliently mounted projection actuated by said actuatingmember and carried with said contact carrying member and-movable toward and from the same as said resiliently mounted projection moves over said projections, and co-opera'ting resilient actuating means including an additional spring tensioned by said actuating member and acting to throw said contact carrying member with a quick snap action irrespective of the rate of movement of said actuating member.

14. An electric switch having coaxial swinging contact carrying and actuating members. co-operating movable and stationary contacts, indexing mechanism comprising a single reversely operative indexing member movable w1th said contact carrying memberin either direction and co-operating indexing means engageable by said movable member, and operative connections between said actuating member, movable member, and contact carrying member including an add tional spring and operative to swing the contact carryingmember with a snap action -irrespective of the rate of movement of said actuating member.

15, An electric switch having coaxial swinging contact carrying and actuating members. co-operating movable and stationary contacts, indexing mechanism comprising a single member movable with said contact vcarrying member in either direction and cooperating indexing means engageable by said movable member, and operative connections between said actuating -member, movable member, and contact carrying member inwith being resiliently mounted and also swingingsaid contact carryin member laterally as it moves down each s oping side.

16. An electric switch having stationary and movable contact means for controlling a. plurality of circuits, a pivoted actuating member for said movable contact means, indexing means for said movable contact means having a member initially movable with the latter to released position by said actuatm member, and snap. actuating means for sai movable contact means tensioned by said actuating member and o erative automatically inde ndently-thereo when said indexing mem er is in released osition.

17. An electric swltch having stationary and movable contact means for controlling a plurality of circuits, a pivoted actuating member for said movable contact means, a series of spaced stationary projections, a cooperating resiliently mounted rojection actuated by said actuating mem er and actuating said movable contact means both as it moves up and down each projection, and cooperating snap actuating means for said mov-- a le contact member tensioned by movement of said actuatingmember and automatically operative independently thereof when said co-operatin g projection passes beyond the top of each'stationary projection.

18. An electric'switch having stationary and movable contact means for controlling a plurality of circuits, a pivoted actuatmg member for said movable contact means movable in a short are reversely' between predetermined travel limits to control said circuits and having an off position at one travel limit and a plurality of on positions between said limit and the other limit thereof, a. series of spaced stationary projections, a co-operating resiliently mounted projection actuated by said actuating member and actuating said movable contact means both as it moves up and down eaclr projection, and co-operating snap actuating means for said movable contactmember tonsioned by movement of said actuating member and automatieall operative independently thereof when sai co-operating projection passes beyond the top of each stationary projection.

19. In an electric switch, insulatin members, connecting means for each end t ereof, a series of spaced stationary cams carried by one of said members within said members and insulated from-said connecting means, stationary contacts within said members having contacts carried by the other insulating memher, and switch mechanism pivotally mounted between said members intermediate the ends thereof having a resiliently mounted oooperating cam' member engageable successively with said spaced stationary cams, movable contact means engageable with said stationary contacts and actuated successively with a snap action by said co-operating'cam member as it moves over said stationary cams, an actuatin member for said co-operating cam operab e from the exterior of said insulatin members, and spring means tensioned l-y said actuating member and actuating said movable contact means.

20. In an electric switch, spaced insulating plates,-connecting means for each end thereof, terminals "on the outside of said plates, camplates carried on the inner'surfaces' of said insulating plates spaced between said connecting means and insulated from the latter, and one insulated from said terminals and the other connected to one of the latter,

stationar contacts also on the inner surfaces I of said p ates and connected to certain other terminals, and switchmechanism pivotally mounted between said plates intermediate the ends thereof having resilient co-operating cam members co-operating with different cam plates, movable contacts actuated by said cooperating cam members and co-operating with sai stationary contacts, and an actuating memberhaving operative connections for actuating said co-operating cam members and movable contacts and an operative end projecting from between said insulating plates.

21. In an electric switch, spaced insulating plates, connecting means for each end thereof, terminals on the outside of said plates, cam plates carried on the inner surfaces of said insulating plates between said connectin means 'and insulated from the latter, an one insulated from said terminals and the other connected to one of the latter, stationary contacts also on the inner surface of said plates and connected to certain other termnals, and switch mechanism pivotally mounted between said plates intermediate the ends thereof having resilient coo rating cam iiferent cam operating cam members and co-operating with said'station'ary contacts, an actuating member for said co-operating cam members and movable contacts and projecting from betweensaid insulating plates, and actuating connections for said-movable contacts having means tensioned by said actuating me r.

22. A switch actuating member comprising a-body member having a lateral -opening therein and a recess communicating with said opening, oppositely extending resilient contact and actuating members on one face of said body member means likewise carried by i the latter presenting a pivot bearing theretherein, oppositely extending resilient con-- tact and actuating members on one face of said body member, means likewise carried by the latter presenting a pivot bearing therefor, an actuating handle having one end projecting into said lateral opening and enga able with the opposite walls thereof, an a pivot pin journaled in said pivot bearing on said body member and also extending through the end of said handle disposed in said opening.

24. -An electric switch comprising a switch unit having spaced insulating members and switch mechanism therebetween, enclosing casing members havin provision for enabling operation of said switch mechanism, and means for separately connecting said casing members to said unit.

25. An electric switch comprising a switch unit having spaced insulating members,

switch mechanism therebetween, and connect- .ing means for said plates, enclosing .casing members having provision for enabling operation of said switch mechanism, and means connecting said casing members to said connecting means.

-26. An electric switch comprising cooperating insulating plates, a switch mechanism.

therebetween, cooperating casing members enclosing said plates and enabling operation of said -mechanism, means connecting said plates together including threaded members,

and means operable from the exterior of said casing members and threaded in said threadid members for connecting said casing memers.

27. A throu h switch comprising insulating plates, a switc mechanism therebetween, terminals for said switch mechanism on the outside surfaces of said plates and having their outer ends extending over the adjacent ends thereof and bent inward, and binding screws carried on said inwardly bent ends.

28. A through switch comprising spaced insulating members, a switch mechanism therebetween, terminals for said switch a mechanism on the outside surfaces of said members, and a connection between certain of said outside terminals dis osed ,between said members and so dispose sulated from the other terminals and said switch mechanism.

29. A through switch comprising 5 aced insulating plates, a switch mechanism t ereastobein-.

between, terminals for said switch mechsulating members, terminals thereon, switchmechanism between said members connected to certain of said terminals and having cooperating contacts and an operating member projecting from between said members and movable longitudinally thereof, and a through connection disposed between the adjacent facesof said insulating members and connecting certain of said terminals.

31. In a through switch, co-operating insulating members, terminals thereon, switch mechanism between said members connected to certain of said terminals and having cooperating contacts and a-pivoted operating member projectin from between said members and movable longitudinall thereof, and a through connection dispose between the adjacent faces of said insulating members and between the pivot and free end of said operating member and connecting certain of said terminals.

32. In a through switch, co-operating insulating members, terminals thereon, switch mechanism between said members connected to certain'of said terminals and having cooperating contacts, a pivoted operating member projectin from between said members and movable fongitudinally thereof, and contact actuating mechanism including a series of stationary cams carried by one of said insulating members and a co-operating resilient cam movable by said operating member, and a throu h connection connecting certain of said terminals disposed between the adjacent facesv of said insulating members and carried by one of the vsame.

33. In an electric switch, co-operating insulating members, connecting means'there for, a cam plate insulati-d from said connecting means and carried so one member, stationary contacts also carried by one of said insulating plates, and a switch mechanism between said insulating plates and having a resilient contact actuating portion engaging said cam plate, and movable contact means actuated thereby and engaging said contacts. 34. In an electric switch, spaced insulating 'plates, connecting means therefor, a cam plate carried on one plate and-spaced from said connecting means, means independent of said connecting means for connecting said cam plate to said insulating plate,stationary.

contacts also carried by one of said insulating plates, and switch mechanism between said insulating plates and having movable contact means and a resilient movable contact actuating portion engaging said cam, plate. 7

35. In an electric switch, spaced insulating plates, connecting means therefor, a cam plate insulated from said connecting means and carried on one plate, contacts also carried by the latter plate, and a switch member movable between said insulating plates having a resilient portion engaging said cam plate and a contact engaging said contacts.

36. In an electric switch, spaced insulating plates, connecting means at their opposite ends, spaced cam plates carried on the inside thereof and insulated from said connecting means, contacts carried on the inside surfaces of said insulating plates, and electrically connected conducting members having resilient portions engaging said cam plates and contacts engaging said contacts.

37. In a switch, spaced insulating members contacts therebetween, a swinging body member between said members carrying a co-opcrating contact, actuating mechanism between the body member and one of said lates, an actuating member pivoted on said ody and movable toward and from said actuatin mechanism, and means between one of sai plates and said actuating member inhibiting conflict between the latter'and said mechanism.

38. In a switch actuating mechanism, a body having an opening in one side of the same, a combined contact and cam member thereon having an axial o nin therein, an actuating member receive in said first mentioned opening and having an opening registering with said axial opening, and a pivot pin extending through said registering openmgs.

39. In a switch actuating mechanism, a

ivoted contact carrying body member havmg a lateral opening therein and carrying a resilient mem er extending over said opening, an actuating member extending into and ivoted in said opening, and means for swing- 1n said body member upon movement of said actuating member about its pivot.

40. A switch actuating member comprising a pivoted body member having a lateral opening and carrying a contact member and a resilient actuating member, an actuating handle pivoted in said lateral opening and movable relative to one wall thereof, and a spring dlc pivoted in said lateral opening-and movable relative to either wall thereof, and a spring seated in said body and having bowed EiJI'tIOIlS engaging opposite sides of said han- 42. In combination, a switch unit comprising insulating plates and switch mecha-- ing insulating plates and switch mechanism movement of said mem therebetween and terminals at the ends of said plates, and casing members enclosingsaidunit while enabling operation of said switch mechanism, said casing members having positioning means engaging saidplates and one of said plates and casing members having interlocking means requiring assembly in a predetermined position.

44. An electric switch having coaxial swinging contact carrying and actuating members, co-operating movable and stationary contacts for making and breaking a pluralit of circuits as said contact carrying mem er is swung in either direction, indexing mechanism comprising a reversely operativelindexing member movable with said contact carrying member in either direction into different operative positions of the latter, cooperating mdexing means engageable by said movable indexing member in said different operative positions, and spring means normally holding said member and means in engagement, means operative upon actuation of said actuating memberfor releasing said movable indexing member from said cooperating indexing means, and means operative upon actuation of said actuating member in either direction including operative connections between said actuatmgmember, movable member, and contact carrying member, and including also an additional spring, for swinging said contact carryin member with a snap action irrespective of t e rate of movement of said actuating member.

45. An electric switch having coaxial swinging contact carrying ,and' actuating members each operative reversely, oo-operating movable and stationa contacts for makin and breaking a plurahty of circuits as sai contact carrying member is swung in either direction, indexing mechanism for said member comprising a reversely operative indexin member movable therewith in either direction into different positions and also angularly with res t to the planes of r out of and into difl'erent indexing positions co-operating indexin means engageable by said movable indexing member in different indexing positions in different positions of said contact carrying member, and spring means normally holding said indexing member and co-operating indexing means in engagement, means operative upon actuation 0 said actuating ing member and movable indexingl member in either direction for moving said movable indexing member angularly with respectto the planes of movement of said co-operating indexing means in a new index- I ing position, and means operative upon actuation of said actuating member in either direction including operative connections between said actuating member, movable indexing member, and contact'carrying member, and also including an additional spring, for swinging said contact carrying member with a snap action irrespective of the rate of movement of said actuating member.

46. An electric switch having coaxial swinging contact carrying and actuating members, co-operating movable and stationary contacts for making and breaking a plura it of circuits as said contact carrying mem er is swun in either direction, indexing mechanism or said member comprising a reversely o rative indexing member movable therewit in either direction when said member moves into difierent operative positions and also angularly with respect to the planes of movement of said contact carrying member out of and into indexing position, co-operatin indexing means engageable by said movab e indexing member in difierent indexing positions in different operative positions of said contact carrying member, and spring means normally holding said movable indexmg member and co-operating indexing member in engagement, and means operative u on actuation of said actuating member in either direction including operative connections between said actuating member, movable inde'xing member, and contact carrying member, and also an additional spring, for moving said movable indexing member out of indexin position while tensioning the spring means t ereof, swinging said contact carrymember with a snap action irrespective of t e rate of movement of said actuating member, and freeing said movable indexing member for reengagement with said (Bo-operating indexing means in a new indexing position.

47. An electric switch having coaxial swin g. contact ca 'ng and actuating mem rs having swinging contact carrying and actuating portions disposed on opposite sides of the axis thereof, co-operating movable and stationary contacts for makin and breaking a plurality of circuits as sai contact carrying member is swung in either direction, indexing mechanism for said contact ca g member coin rising a reversely operative indexing mem r movable with said contact carrying member in either direction when said last mentioned member moves into difierent operative positions and also 'mov- 20 said contact carrying member-with a snap ment of said member in di able toward and from the glance of moveerent indexing positions, co-operating indexin means engageable by said movable mem er in different indexin positions in different operative positions 0 said contact carrying member and means operative upon actuation of'sald actuating member in either direction for moving said movable indexing member toward and from said planes including a cam movable about said axis and spring means normally holding said movable indexing member and co-operating indexing means in engagement and tensioned upon-movement of said actuating member, and means operative u on actuation of said actuating member in either direction including operative connections between said actuating member, movable member, and contact carrying member, and also an additional spring, for swinging action irrespective of the rate of movement of sa1d actuatmg'member.

48. An electnc switch having stationary and movable contact means for controlling a plurality of circuits, a pivoted actuating member for said movable contact means disposed coaxially with said movable contact means, indexing mechanism for said movable contact means actuated upon operation ofsaid actuating member having indexing means, a co-operatinzz reversible indexing member movable'relative thereto about the axis of said actuating member and angularly with respect to the planes of movement of said movable contact means to release the latter and also movable with said movable contact means into difierent operative positions therewith, mechanism operative upon actuation of said actuating member in either direction including cam means movable about said axis for moving said movable indexing member angularl' withrespect-to the planes of movement 0 said movable contact means to release the latter and said movable member from said indexing means and spring means tensioned b said cam means for returning said movab e indexing member into indexing position in difierent operative positions of said movable contact means, and means operative upon actuation of said actuating said movable indexing mem member in elther direction and including operative connections between said actuating member, movable member, and movable contact means, and also an additional spring, for swinging said movable contact means with a snap action irrespective of the rate of movement of said actuatingemember when t r is in released 031 1011.

. In testimon whereof I afiix m signature.

OHANN e, rs BSON.

(sm r cmrrxiwgz or connexion.

rawnt'no. 1,894,225.. I January 10, 1933.

I I Peterson.

It it hereby certified that. error appeare in the printed specification of the above numbered patent requiring correction as follow:

Inthe drawing, the fig. 1, should-appear shown belov instead. of as 'ahown in the patent:

Page 3, line 511, for "proivded" read "provided"; page 4 line 84,

claim 7, or 'incuding" read "including" page &, 1ine 18, 'claim 12, strike. out the word. ".for' and insert the same befcre "actuating" in line 8 page 6, line 33, claim 20. in "operative" read "operating"; page 7-.- line 85, claim 37, p'tter "members" insert a coma; and that the said Letters Patent should "be read with these corrections therein that the same m q'coniorm'to the record of the case in the Ratent Office.

afligned and sealed this 16th day of May, 'A. D. 1933.

M. J. Moore. Acting Commissioner of Patents. 

